Surge in Israeli patients at Chai Cancer Care
Hebrew-speaking counsellor says 25 percent of her clients from the Jewish state
Chai Cancer Care is reporting a rise in demand from Israelis currently in the UK, with one Hebrew-speaking counsellor saying 25 percent of the clients she supports are Israeli.
The charity is calling for more awareness of its expanded services amongst the community, including explaining the mechanics of the GP and NHS system to anyone who needs extra guidance.
Hebrew-speaking psychotherapist Tal Shribman has worked at Chai for the past six years and has noticed a steady increase in the number of Hebrew-speaking clients.
She says: “It is difficult to determine whether this is due to more Israelis learning about Chai’s services or a growing need for Hebrew-speaking therapy since 7 October and the ongoing events in Israel. However, since that date I have observed a notable shift in the therapeutic dynamic, an added layer of emotional depth and heightened anxiety.”
Shribman added: “Many clients coping with cancer or bereavement are also burdened with deep concern for the wellbeing of their families.”
Reflecting on the importance of Chai’s Hebrew-speaking counsellors, she believes that speaking in one’s native language during therapy is incredibly powerful.
“For my Israeli clients, it goes beyond language; it’s about a shared cultural context. When someone mentions a place, institution or national event in Israel, they do not need to explain the background. There’s an unspoken understanding that allows us to dive straight into the emotional core.”
Uri*, in his 40s, is an Israeli father whose British Jewish wife Hannah* was diagnosed with cancer – shortly after having their baby. When his wife passed away in 2024, Uri* spoke to an Israeli counsellor at Chai. He said: “I needed someone who understood my background, not just the language, but my mentality, my Israeli upbringing.
“I speak to my family in Israel every day, but not being there physically is hard. 7 October was the worst nightmare for every Israeli. My children feel Israeli, and that day changed everything. Hannah was still alive when 7 October happened, so not only did I have to cope with her illness, but also with the stress of the situation in Israel.”
He says: “It felt like there was nothing I could do, and then it all hit me, I couldn’t scream. I had to keep it all inside; work, the kids, my wife, everything.
“That’s where Chai came in. They stepped in at a crucial moment. They supported me, listened to me, and helped reduce the stress. I wish I could repay them for everything they’ve given us.
He adds: “Being able to speak in Hebrew made therapy so much easier. I speak it every day, so it was natural. There are still moments when I feel sad, especially when the kids do things that would have made Hannah proud. The coping tools I gained through Chai are what keep me going. My children still need a lot of attention, and it’s tough. But because of the support I had at Chai, I’m able to manage. Without them, I wouldn’t be the same person I am today.”
Israel-born cancer survivor Natali Weisz Golan, 38, considered withdrawing her children from their UK school and seeking family support in Israel after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. But after discovering the breadth of Chai’s services, she decided to stay in the UK, during her cancer treatment.
Mother-of-two Natali, who had therapy, acupuncture and took part in workshops like jewellery making, said: “I was in a foreign country without my family. When I had the diagnosis, I felt numb. I needed my family. I thought about moving back to Israel, taking the children and finding a nursery for them there.
“But then, I spoke to Chai. After that, I knew I could face cancer in the UK. I saw that I needed to focus on getting better and not cause more change and disruption to our life. I found a community here. I had hope. They showed me I was not alone, that I did not need to go through it alone; that there was a support network for my husband and my children also.
“Before this, I felt like an Israeli living in London. But Chai reminded me what it meant to be part of the community. Without them, I don’t know how I could have coped.”
Chai’s chief executive Victoria Portnoi says the organisation is committed to providing a safe space where Israeli families can find added layers of understanding and support.
“Our Hebrew-speaking therapists and services offer a vital sense of community, allowing families to stay in the UK while navigating their cancer journey with the care and compassion they need.”
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